Wills & Burke

More than 150 yrs ago Burke & Wills expedition , one of Australia’s most renowned colonial tragedies, made a name for itself as I’ll-fated, but there was also success before tragedy . 20th Aug 1860 18 explorers, 25 camels, 22 horses. Set off from Melbourne as they marched forth into frontiers unknown on Victoria Exploring Expedition . South Australian government offer a prize to the first Europeans to cross Australian continent from south to north . In 1861, less than a yr after set off, a tragedy when half the party, including leaders perished in QLD Outback. The DIG TREE is a National Icon & an enduring reminder of our pioneering spirit. Napa Merrie Station is proud to officially manage the site . The “ big tree “ is coolabah ( Eucalyptus microtha) it is believed to be200-250 yrs old . Before base camp 65 deserted the depot , Only hours before Burke & Wills did return from the Gulf, they buried some provisions hoping that Burke & Wills return & instructions to dig were carved into trunk of tree. They. Were. ..,,,B LXV, creek side...., DIG 3ft NW TRUNK, land side... Dec 6 60 April 21 61 Limb upstream. The face was carved by John Dick in 1898 & is still clearly visable to this day, which Burke & Wills & companions would have viewed nearly 140 yrs ago. Burke died July 1861 at Cooper creek, John King left him unburied as Burke requested. King returned his body weeks later with the Yandruwandha & placed boughs over his body then in later in 1861 king directed Howit to Burke’s remains & 21st Sept 1861 buried Burke under a Coolabah tree & Howit wrote. ...We dug a grave....& interred the remains wrapped in the Union Jack... On a box tree, at the head of the grave the following inscription is cut. R O’HB. 21/9/61. AH. The fig tree wasn’t called the Dig tree till 1920s You will have to check out the fully story on the web site just far to much to go into to. Some pics for you to enjoy.Read more